Klitschko upset by Lewis opt-out

Vitali Klitschko reacted angrily to Lennox Lewis' lawyer telling his camp a fight between the two won't take place this year after all.

Reported by Indo-Asian News Service

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Berlin:

Vitali Klitschko reacted angrily to Lennox Lewis' lawyer telling his camp the discussed fight between the two heavyweights won't take place this year after all.
The two sides were in negotiations over Lewis taking on the Ukrainian again for his WBA title on December 6, possibly in Madison Square Garden. It would be a rematch of the British champion's disputed June 21 win in Los Angeles.
Lewis retained his title in the sixth round when the fight was stopped because of bloody cuts around Klitschko's left eye, who had protested vehemently that he could keep fighting. Klitschko led 58-56 on all three scorecards at the time.
"I'm surprised. After all, he demanded an examination from a specialist that my cut has healed. Apparently he's got more respect for me than he indicated," Klitschko said. "I'm ready and I think it is very sad".
Klitschko promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl said the lawyer told him Lewis - universally accepted as the world heavyweight champion - wouldn't have enough time to train for a December fight. (AP)